Manchester United could be handed a welcome transfer windfall this summerManchester United could be handed a welcome transfer windfall this summer
Manchester United could be handed a welcome transfer windfall this summer | Getty Images
Manchester United could land a welcome transfer windfall this summer
Manchester United will watch on with intent amid reports that Atletico Madrid have decided to pursue a deal for Benfica left-back Alvaro Carreras.
The defender joined Benfica on a permanent deal from United last summer. The move totalled around £5m and included buy-back and sell-on clauses for the Red Devils. While United have opted against a buy back so far, they do look set to benefit from the sell-on clause they inserted into the deal.
United signed Patrick Dorgu from Serie A side Lecce in January, recruiting the Denmark international for an initial £25m. His arrival does appear to signal that a move to bring Carreras back to Old Trafford is unlikely.
Atletico in for Carreras
A report from O Jogo in Portugal claims that Atletico Madrid have ‘already decided’ to sign Carreras this summer. It is said they are not put off by a release clause - which is worth £42m as reported by O Jogo - in his Benfica contract. United’s buyback clause is said to only cost around £17m. He is under contract with Benfica until 2029 but is said to be Atletico’s main target for the 2025-26 season.
Carreras hails from Spain and could welcome the chance to play in his homeland. He has made 41 appearances for Benfica this season, scoring three goals and providing five assists in all competitions.
Barcelona and Real Madrid have been credited with an interest. It is not yet clear if Benfica will only allow Carreras to leave if his release clause his paid. Whatever the fee, the sell-on fee will be a welcome addition to United’s summer transfer budget as they battle to operate within the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules.
Atletico could hand United second summer windfall
Reports earlier this month claimed that Atletico were looking at signing another former United player his summer. Fichajes claimed Diego Simeone’s side were preparing a significant offer to secure the services Mason Greenwood, who joined Marseille last summer as he made a permanent exit from the Red Devils. Manchester World understands United will be entitled to 50 per cent of the profits of any future sale of Greenwood as part of his £26.6 million transfer to Marseille.
Fichajes reported Atletico Madrid are considering an opening offer of around £50m to secure the player’s services, which means if that was accepted United would receive half of the £23.4m profit Marseille would make which equates to around £11.7m. However, the Red Devils would not be able to keep it all as Getafe included a clause that entitles them to 20 per cent of all of United’s potential future earnings on Greenwood. Meaning United would end up with around £9.36m. Greenwood spent last season on loan at Getafe in La Liga.
Atletico are not the only European heavyweight to express an interest in Greenwood and earlier reports from Fichajes have also claimed that French champions Paris Saint Germain could put forth a bid of their own which is thought to be in the region of £62m. If an offer in that region was to be accepted, Marseille would make £35.4m profit on the forward, leaving United entitled to a £14.16m windfall after Getafe’s payment is factored in.